Haiti quake leaves Alberta family's adoption in limbo

The devastating earthquake in Haiti is creating upheaval for a family from Grande Prairie, Alta., in the final stages of adopting a Haitian orphan.

The family needs only one more piece of documentation to complete the adoption they started over two years ago.

However, that paper is buried somewhere within Port-au-Prince's presidential palace, destroyed when the 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti's capital on Tuesday.

Lindsay Van Genne said, given the devastation in Haiti, finding the adoption order is next to impossible.

'I know all us here tonight … are broken and we come together so we can comfort each other, we can console each other and we can thank God.' —Paulette Anulis

"There's no Haitian government places still standing and the officials — many of them are dead and missing, so for us to find one piece of paper is very difficult. We're just fighting as hard as we can to get our son home."

Van Genne has been told her son, Corbin, is alive and safe — for now.

"We know that all of the children in the orphanage are staying outside there with these people that are injured and hurt and they have food and some water, but that is going to run out soon and they won't be able to find any more," she said.

Van Genne has been frantically making phone calls in the hopes that the Canadian government will step in to help her get Corbin home.

She is also rallying other parents in similar situations to put pressure on the federal government.

Meanwhile, members of the Haitian community in Calgary gathered at a local church Friday night to pray for help for victims of the earthquake.

Hope flagging among families waiting for news

Many are still waiting for word from family members in Haiti, but are losing hope as time passes.

Pastor Enock Remy said he still hasn't heard from his parents or other family members.

"You know, everybody's suffering. My wife — she has a cousin [who] died, so everybody has their own part. So we have to do what we have to do."

Paulette Anulis went to the church for comfort.

"I'm broken right now and I know all us here tonight … are broken and we come together so we can comfort each other, we can console each other and we can thank God."

Jean Fevry said the service was a huge comfort.

"We don't know too much what's going on over there," Fevry said.

"Not only are we looking for financial support, but we need to do it spiritually because God love Haiti and God will always provide for the people of Haiti."

The service was organized by the Haiti Association of Calgary.

A box for donations was provided, and the money raised will go to organizations that have a good track record in helping in Haiti.